National Graduation Tassel Day is all about “the annual parade of academic achievement,” according to National Day Calendar. But the history of the graduation tassel is hundreds of years old. Jdnews.com tells us:

1) Cords with tassels were used dating back to the 14th century to represent levels of learning, which is similar to the type of academic regalia used today.

2) Tassels have been used throughout history to adorn many things, including clothing and uniforms, and have often differentiated people in the military or religious field. The graduation tassel attached to a mortarboard for a school or college represents a belonging to a particular class that has completed its goals.

3) The turning of the tassel has become a more modern tradition, used to signify a person’s transition from candidate to graduate. At the high school level, the tassel is worn on the right side of the cap at the start of the ceremony and is moved to the left once diplomas are received.

4) The tradition of turning the tassel may vary by school, but it’s often done by an announcement made by the principal once everyone has received their diploma. In other cases, it is done individually as one receives their diploma on stage.

5) There are different types of graduation tassels. Tassels on the cap are most often the color of the school and represent belonging to a particular class. The tassels that finish off the ends of an honor cord represent membership of a smaller group within that class. Honor cords worn around the neck differentiate the graduate in other area of academic life, such as honor societies and various areas of study.

This day, which is celebrated annually on May 17, was founded in 2018 by Tassel Depot, a company that manufactures graduation tassels, in honor of the all-important graduation tassel. National Graduation Tassel Day “celebrates the accomplishments of every graduate,” National Day Calendar goes on to say. They do this so everyone who has accomplished all the way to your school deserves to be recognized by it.

National Graduation Tassel Day is not just for the graduates, but also for the friends and family who are excited to witness the commencement ceremonies of high schools, colleges, and universities.

Graduation will be restricted this year, but that doesn’t mean a big celebration is out of the question. Some people might consider hosting a small part, creating cupcakes and cute party favors with a graduation theme going on. In 2020, a lot of graduations got cancelled and students were severely limited in their celebrations, so it might be worthwhile to take advantage of this day, National Graduation Tassel Day, as a time to start with celebrations that can last for weeks. After the past 14 months, we need to enjoy the little things and big things because in one second they could be gone.